Conference or Hearing
This page will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for an upcoming conference or hearing. Feel confident by preparing in advance.
Before Your Conference or Hearing
An educational conference or hearing is an opportunity to discuss what happened, share your perspective, ask questions and learn your options and next steps.
Read all correspondence from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities thoroughly. Your notice will typically include:
- The alleged violation(s) of the Code of Conduct
- The date, time, and location or virtual meeting link
- Information about your rights and responsibilities
- Instructions for submitting information or requesting accommodations
Take time to review:
- The applicable sections of the Student Code of Conduct
- Any incident reports or information shared with you
- Relevant emails, screenshots, photographs or other documentation
- Your own recollection of the incident and the timeline of events
You should be prepared to discuss:
- What occurred
- Your involvement or perspective
- Any contributing circumstances
- Steps you have taken since the incident
- What you learned from the experience
Being honest, reflective and respectful throughout the process is important.
If you have supporting information you would like considered, gather it in advance. This may include:
Written statements
Screenshots or photographs
Medical documentation (when relevant)
Character references
Other relevant materials related to the incident
Submit materials according to the instructions provided in your notice.
If witnesses have direct knowledge relevant to the incident, you may be able to request their participation. Witnesses should provide information directly related to the reported behavior rather than general character statements.
Students may have an advisor or support person present during conferences or hearings, consistent with university procedures. Advisors may:
- Provide support and guidance to the student
- Help the student prepare beforehand
- Quietly consult with the student during the meeting
- Advisors typically may not speak on behalf of the student or disrupt the process.
During the Conference or Hearing
During the meeting, you may:
- Review the reported information
- Be asked questions about the incident
- Have an opportunity to respond and provide context
- Discuss any supporting information
- Ask questions about the process
The hearing officer or board members are there to gather information and make decisions based on the available information and university policy.
- Arrive on time
- Participate respectfully
- Answer questions honestly
- Avoid interrupting others
- Take notes if helpful
- Ask for clarification if you do not understand something
University conduct proceedings use the “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This means a determination is based on whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.
Outcomes vary depending on the nature and severity of the incident. Possible sanctions or educational measures may include:
- Educational conversations or reflection assignments
- Warning or probation
- Restitution
- Educational programs
- Restrictions or loss of privileges
- Suspension or expulsion in serious cases
Sanctions are intended to support accountability, learning, and community standards.
After the Conference or Hearing
After the process concludes, you will typically receive written notification regarding:
- The outcome or findings
- Any assigned sanctions
- Deadlines and next steps
- Appeal information, if applicable
Be sure to review all outcome information carefully and complete any required sanctions by the assigned deadlines.
Sanctions
Sanctions are assigned within a range and are determined based on the specific circumstances of each case. Factors considered may include the nature and severity of the behavior, the impact on others and the community, prior conduct history, acceptance of responsibility and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Possible sanctions and educational measures may include:
- Educational conversations or reflection assignments
- Warnings or disciplinary probation
- Restitution
- Educational programs or workshops
- Restrictions or loss of privileges
- Suspension or expulsion in the most serious cases
- The purpose of sanctions is to promote accountability, encourage learning and personal growth, repair harm when appropriate and uphold the University's community standards.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions before your conference or hearing, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Staff members are available to explain procedures, answer questions about the process, and connect students with campus resources when appropriate.
